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New study suggests exercise as effective as therapy for depression

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New study suggests exercise as effective as therapy for depression

Researchers found that exercise was just as good as therapy and even better than antidepressants.

Exercise should be a “core treatment” for people with depression, academics have said, after a new study suggested that some forms of exercise were just as good as therapy and even better than anti-depressants.

Walking, jogging, yoga and strength training appeared to be more effective than other types of exercises, according to a major new analysis.

And the more vigorous the exercise, the better, according to a research team led by academics in Australia.

But even low intensity exercises such as walking and yoga had meaningful benefit.

The effect of exercise appeared superior to antidepressants, according to the study which has been published in The BMJ.

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But when exercise was combined with antidepressants, this improved the effect of the drugs.

They also found that the benefit of exercise was comparable with that of cognitive behavioural therapy, but the quality of evidence supporting therapy was higher.

Researchers drew their findings from 218 clinical trials involving more than 14,000 people from multiple countries.

“Exercise is an effective treatment for depression, with walking or jogging, yoga and strength training more effective than other exercises, particularly when intense.

“Yoga and strength training were well tolerated compared with other treatments.

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“Exercise appeared equally effective for people with and without comorbidities and with different baseline levels of depression.”

They added: “These forms of exercise could be considered alongside psychotherapy and antidepressants as core treatments for depression.”

In a linked editorial, Professor Juan Angel Bellon from the University of Malaga, Spain, wrote: “Primary care clinicians can now recommend exercise, psychotherapy or antidepressants as standalone alternatives for adults with mild or moderate depression.

“The final choice depends on patient preference and other considerations, including any barriers to access.

“For adults with severe or treatment-resistant depression, the available evidence currently favours combined psychological and drug treatment.”

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Exercise / yoga stock image. Credit: PA

Dr Paul Keedwell, consultant psychiatrist and fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: “This is a welcome review of the evidence supporting exercise as part of a holistic programme of treatment for depression. The power of exercise to lift mood is often overlooked.

“Social interaction might be almost as important as the physiological effects of exercise (with group activities such as yoga, dance and walking groups being particularly helpful), and context is probably important too, with additional benefits to be gained in green and natural environments.

“Many depressed individuals find exercise very challenging. But, taken together, the evidence supports exercise being an important part of a package of treatments for depression, and it will help with physical health too.”

Prof David Curtis, honorary professor at University College London (UCL), added: “Even moderate forms of exercise, such as walking, produced benefits, although the effects do seem to be stronger with more vigorous exercise.

“Overall, the effects of exercise seem as strong or stronger than for antidepressants or standard psychological treatments. Thus, the authors’ suggestion that exercise should always be recommended as part of the treatment package seems sensible.”

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But Professor Michael Bloomfield, consultant psychiatrist at UCL, added: “Whilst this paper adds to the evidence that exercise is good for you, it is not possible to say at this stage that exercise on its own is better than existing treatments including medication and psychological therapies.

“When people experience more severe forms of depression simply offering exercise may not be completely helpful, for example, when someone is struggling to get out of bed let alone get to the gym.

“Depression is often caused by a range of factors and it is more helpful to think about the pros and cons of a range of treatments including medication, talking therapy and exercise, that can be offered to patients, rather than an unhelpful division of medication vs. talking therapy vs. exercise.”

If you’re looking for ways to exercise in Liverpool why not try these:

ShredFast

Experience the electrifying fusion of HIIT, Kettlebells, and Bodyweight workouts with ShredFast. What sets ShredFast apart is the extraordinary fact that every team member has personally experienced the transformative power of the ShredFast program before becoming an integral part of their team.

More info here.

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Join a gym

Liverpool has many gyms around town and local areas too like The Gym Group, Pure Gym, JD Gym, and more. Sometimes you will find offers for first time joiners check out their websites for more info.

Swim at Lifestyles

Lifestyles centres are community-based facilities that offer a range of health and fitness services to residents of the city. These centres are designed to promote physical activity, health, and well-being among individuals of all ages and fitness levels.

Many Lifestyles centres feature indoor swimming pools, providing opportunities for aquatic fitness activities, swimming lessons, and recreational swimming sessions.

For more info click here.

For the latest news in Liverpool click here.

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Home Multi Gym Exercise Equipment Sale Announced by Strongway Gym Supplies

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Home Multi Gym Exercise Equipment Sale Announced by Strongway Gym Supplies

Coventry, UK – October 29, 2025 – PRESSADVANTAGE –

Strongway Gym Supplies has announced the sale of its multifunctional home gym range, extending access to customers seeking reliable, compact, and versatile fitness systems for personal and small-scale use. The company said that the latest models have been developed to balance performance capability with the spatial needs of domestic users, following a period of steady demand across its home fitness catalogue.

According to Strongway, the update aligns with its wider approach to supplying strength and conditioning equipment that supports structured training without requiring a dedicated commercial space.

The company confirmed that recent refinements have focused on system stability, operational smoothness, and ease of adjustment, reflecting the needs of individuals looking to replicate gym-quality workouts in home environments.

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Strongway stated that the new release is part of an ongoing plan to update its products in line with how people are using gym equipment today. By considering feedback from home users and personal trainers, the company aims to keep the same high-quality standards found in professional gyms while making the machines easier to use in smaller home spaces. The update comes after a detailed review of the frames and pulley systems to make sure the design stays consistent across the range of equipment.

The announcement is part of a growing trend in the home fitness market, where many users are turning towards multifunctional gym systems that allow varied training in limited space. Strongway’s current release draws attention to this shift by offering an integrated model that enables both isolated and compound exercises using a unified platform. More information about the range is available at the following link: https://strongway.co.uk/products/strongway-multi-gym-with-weights-multifunction-home-gym-machine.

Mandip Walia, Co-Director at Strongway Gym Supplies, said that the company’s objective remains to provide fitness solutions that are as adaptable as they are durable. “The current line represents our ongoing work to refine the balance between strength, safety, and convenience. As home training becomes increasingly popular, users are asking for equipment that performs consistently over time without sacrificing compactness,” he explained.

The company added that this focus on efficiency has also influenced other developments within its catalogue, where individual machines are designed to support multiple exercise formats. Strongway described this as part of its broader intent to build fitness systems that can evolve with the user — whether for weight training, rehabilitation, or general fitness maintenance.

The company also highlighted that a key part of the recent update was the reduction of assembly complexity. Users can now transition between settings more easily, while maintaining a stable base for controlled movement.

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The design also reflects a commitment to mechanical precision, ensuring that load distribution remains balanced throughout a range of motion. This approach, Strongway noted, helps create a smoother user experience while sustaining long-term structural reliability.

The home fitness market in the UK has continued to grow as more people look for professional-quality gym equipment that fits easily into their homes. Strongway’s range, especially its multifunction machines, meets this demand by offering flexible designs that allow for full-body workouts without taking up much space. The company continues to update its home-use equipment to match what customers want, while keeping the same strength and durability found in its commercial products.

Strongway has indicated that the new release will sit alongside other key products within its home multi gym series, allowing customers to choose between various resistance and attachment options depending on their training preferences. The company’s catalogue continues to evolve in response to demand for adaptable, self-contained exercise systems.

Randeep Walia, Co-Director at Strongway Gym Supplies, remarked that the expansion of the company’s range demonstrates a clear commitment to long-term product reliability. “Our focus has always been on consistency,” he said. “Each update is the result of steady evaluation and small but meaningful changes that enhance the overall training experience. We see this as an ongoing process rather than a one-off release.”

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The announcement also complements Strongway’s existing catalogue of home and light-commercial fitness products, which continues to draw attention from home fitness enthusiasts and seasoned lifters alike. The company confirmed that the home fitness range of equipment will remain part of its core lineup, accessible through its official page: https://strongway.co.uk/collections/home-fitness.

###

For more information about Strongway Gym Supplies, contact the company here:

Strongway Gym Supplies
Mandip Walia
+44-800-001-6093
sales@strongway.co.uk
Strongway Gym Supplies, 26 The Pavilion, Coventry CV3 1QP, United Kingdom

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Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. XPRMedia and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases@xpr.media

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Fitness coach shares simple ‘5-second exercise’ every woman should do daily to feel healthier and stronger

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Fitness coach shares simple ‘5-second exercise’ every woman should do daily to feel healthier and stronger

Finding time for health and fitness isn’t easy, especially when life moves at full speed. Between long commutes, desk jobs, and constant multitasking, many women struggle with poor posture, stiffness, and low energy. But what if the fix was simpler than you think? Lifestyle and fitness coach Luke Coutinho shares in his September 29 Instagram post a simple 5-second exercise that he believes every woman should know. (Also read: Apollo hospital orthopaedic surgeon with 28+ years of experience explains ‘why your knees hurt while climbing stairs’ )

Luke Coutinho shares quick kegel exercise for women’s health and wellbeing.

What are Kegel exercises and why should women do them

Women, try this right now. “Imagine you’re trying to pee, and I tell you to stop midstream. Try that. Which muscles did you clench?” says Luke. “If you did that right now, you just did a Kegel exercise.” He explains that Kegel exercises are one of the most powerful yet underrated practices for women’s health. “They strengthen your pelvic floor, the muscles that support your bladder, uterus, and rectum,” says Luke.

According to Luke, these exercises do far more than most people realise. “By doing Kegels, you strengthen and increase blood flow to your pelvic region,” he explains. “That helps with issues like urine incontinence, nighttime urination, and weak bladder control.”

He adds that Kegels are especially beneficial after childbirth. “Post-delivery, the vaginal walls can weaken if you’ve had a natural birth. Doing Kegels strengthens your vaginal muscles, improving intimacy and sexual satisfaction too.”

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They also help prevent pelvic organ prolapse, a common condition where the bladder or uterus shifts downward. “Kegel exercises help support the entire area holding your bladder, uterus, and rectum,” Luke notes.

How do you perform Kegel exercises correctly

“The right way to do Kegels is the same way I asked you earlier, imagine you’re peeing and stop midway,” he explains. “You don’t need to clench too hard. Avoid tightening your abs or thighs, just a gentle squeeze.”

Luke Coutinho advocates for Kegel exercises, emphasising their benefits for women's pelvic health.(Google Gemini)
Luke Coutinho advocates for Kegel exercises, emphasising their benefits for women’s pelvic health.(Google Gemini)

Luke recommends starting small:

  • Do 3 sets, twice a day.
  • Clench for 5 seconds, relax for 5 seconds.
  • Gradually increase to 15 seconds of clenching and 10 seconds of rest as you get stronger.

“You can do these anywhere, on a flight, in a car (if you’re not driving), at home, before bed, or right after waking up,” Luke says. “These little things are incredibly powerful for your reproductive and overall health.”

He reminds viewers, though, that Kegels are not a replacement for medical care. “If you have a prolapse or other issue, please see your doctor,” he advises.

“Remember,” Luke concludes, “Kegel exercises may take just a few seconds, but staying consistent with them can truly transform your pelvic health and long-term wellbeing.”

Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

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This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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Food vs exercise: Which actually helps you lose weight

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Food vs exercise: Which actually helps you lose weight

Why nutrition is more important than exercise

“To simplify it a lot: adjusting your diet reduces body fat, while physical exercise helps preserve muscles during weight loss and supports overall health,” the trainer explains.

Mandziak notes that only about 10% of the calories the body burns come from exercise.

“Three workouts a week burn just 1,000 calories, while the body burns 18,000 calories in a week,” he emphasizes.

How the body burns calories

“Around 85% of all calories burned are expended without deliberate physical activity. The heart, brain, kidneys, and liver burn about 1,000 calories per day. That’s almost half of all calories the body burns, including physical activity,” the fitness trainer says.

According to him, 10% of calories are spent on digestion, 15% on daily activities, and only the remaining 10% on exercise.

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Why exercise makes you hungrier

“Scientific data shows that 80% of calories burned are compensated. When I start moving more, my body senses the calorie loss and urges me to eat the calories I burned. Some people even reward themselves with tasty food after an effective workout,” Mandziak explains.

He adds that people often overestimate the calories burned during exercise. Those who are more active consume more calories, but they also burn more, and don’t overeat.

Mandziak notes that physical activity improves sensitivity to the satiety hormone leptin.

“If I’m physically active, my brain senses this hormone well. If I’m inactive, it senses it poorly, which can lead to overeating,” he adds.

Why strength training is important

“When we consume fewer calories than our body needs, it must break down fat to make up for the deficit. The body can also break down muscle,” the trainer explains.

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According to him, to prevent this, it’s necessary to signal to the body that muscles are needed and being used. If a certain organ, tissue, or function isn’t used, it deteriorates.

Mandziak emphasizes that strength exercises provide this signal. Additionally, exercise improves the regulation of eating behavior, and strength training helps preserve muscle mass.

Earlier, we revealed how to eat and lose weight in autumn.

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